Arts & Culture

For History Buffs Only...

Community Receives National Recognition for Our Historic Preservation Efforts
Monterey has earned the distinction as a Preserve America community, one of only three cities in California thus far.
First Lady Laura Bush bestowed the honor saying, “I commend you for your commitment to preserving an important part of our Nation’s historic past for visitors, neighbors and, most importantly, for children.”
Preserve America communities demonstrate that they are dedicated to protecting America’s heritage while ensuring that there are plenty of opportunities, for generations to come, for learning and enjoyment.
Monterey is now eligible to apply for federal grant funding specifically earmarked for Preserve America communities.
The program looks to foster a greater shared knowledge of the Nation’s past; stronger regional identities and local pride; increased local participation in preserving the country’s cultural and natural heritage assets; and support for the economic vitality of our communities, according to White House news releases.
Monterey has demonstrated a commitment to supporting our heritage, and the Preserve America designation recognizes that many groups here are working together to sustain the community’s unique characteristics.
The combined efforts of Historic Monterey, including California State Parks, Monterey History and Art Association, the City of Monterey and our many partners, helped make this designation possible.

For more info on Historic Monterey and planned activities and programs, visit the City’s Web site at www.monterey.org/historicmonterey.

Much Ado About Museums, Preservation
Discover first-hand the people, stories and structures that have contributed to our community.
Celebrate National Museum Month and National Historic Preservation Month in May. Get out and take a look around your neighborhood to see what’s here for you.

  • Colton Hall – Built to serve as a public school and town meeting site, Colton Hall is now a public museum. California’s first constitution was drafted in this historic site in October 1849 (re-enactment pictured).
    Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Presidio of Monterey Museum – Learn about the stages of our military development, from the indigenous period, through the Spanish and Mexican eras, up to present day.
    Open Monday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday
    1 to 4 p.m.

  • Historic Walking Tour – Take the self-guided tours through downtown or along the waterfront. While downtown, see the Cooper-Molera Adobe, San Carlos Cathedral and California History Room. Along the waterfront, view one of the oldest government buildings in the state, the Custom House built in 1827. Find out why Monterey Bay played such a big role in our history.

To download your guide or for museum locations and ongoing activities, call 646.5648 or visit www.monterey.org/museum.

ARTS & CULTURE
Community Support Sustains Library Resources

Faced with budget cutbacks slated to affect programs, books and other materials, the Monterey Public Library asked the community for support and was rewarded with
an outpouring of generosity.
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Library and many private donations, the Library has been able to sustain programs such as Born to Read, cultural programs for adults and the California History Room.
More than $25,000 has been received to purchase additional books, DVDs, magazines and other much-needed materials.
“We feel fortunate,” says Library Director Kim Bui-Burton, “for the tremendous support our Library receives from the City and the community. This has allowed us to maintain the best and most diverse library service on the Peninsula, even during these difficult economic times, and we are deeply and sincerely appreciative to everyone who has helped the Library.”

To find out more about how you can contribute, call Library Director Kim Bui-Burton at
646.5601 (buiburto@ci.monterey.ca.us)

AT THE LIBRARY
Award-Winning Teen Poets Share Their Works
Teen poets from throughout the county will be honored as they read their award-winning poems at the 11th Annual Monterey County-wide High School Poetry Awards ceremony. Celebrate National Poetry Month on April 30 at 2 p.m. with the Monterey Public Library.
The event is hosted by the Library in conjunction with the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts.

For more info, visit www.monterey.org/library/teenevents.html or call 646.3949.

Library Opens at 1 p.m. on Saturdays
Your Monterey Public Library now opens at 1 p.m. on Saturdays, instead of 10 a.m.,
as a result of staffing and budget cutbacks. By opening later on Saturdays, the Library can shift staff from one of the Library’s least used times to busy hours during the week.
Visit the Library Monday 1 to 9 p.m., Tuesday/Wednesday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday/Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

If you have any questions, call Library Director Kim Bui-Burton at 646.5601(buiburto@ci.monterey.ca.us).

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Rev. 09/03/09 L. Huelga http://www.monterey.org/focus/spring05/historybuffs.html